Pitching seals Sun Devils series win over Wildcats

(Photo: ASU Athletics)

Arizona State’s starting rotation had been close to lights out for the couple of weeks heading into their matchup with the University of Arizona, a team loaded with one of—if not the—best lineups in the Pac-12. The Sun Devils were going to have to continue their mound excellence if they were to earn a Territorial Cup series victory over the Wildcats, and they did.

Brett Lilek tossed his second consecutive start without allowing a run, as his strong seven innings of work helped secure a 2-1 victory on Friday night, while Ryan Kellogg one-upped his teammate with a complete-game shutout in a 7-0 win on Saturday. The Sun Devils did falter on Sunday, as they fell 6-1 to the Wildcats in the series finale, but the two wins were enough to earn Arizona State the season series victory over the University of Arizona.

Player of the Series: SP Ryan Kellogg

Kellogg’s complete-game shutout was the first for the Sun Devils this season. He allowed seven hits and two walks and struck out eight Wildcats. His weekend efforts improved his ERA to 2.80, good for fourth on the team and second among starters, behind only Lilek (1.57). The left-handed starter has now earned a win in each of his last three starts and five of his previous six. Most impressively, he has surrendered just a single run over his last three starts combined.

Biggest Concern: Bats continue to struggle

Saturday’s seven-run outburst marked the first time since a 5-2 victory over UNLV on April 15 that the maroon-and-gold have tallied more than three runs. Over their last 10 games, the Sun Devils are averaging just 3.1 runs per game, a number that dips to 2.7 runs per game with Saturday’s game not included.

Unsung Hero: SS Drew Stankiewicz

Drew Stankiewicz led the way for the Sun Devils at the plate as he went 4-for-9 with three RBI and two runs scored. His performance escalated his average to .300 for the season, which stands as fourth-best on the team.

Stat of the Series: 10.5-7.5

With the two victories over the weekend, Arizona State extended its 2013-2014 Territorial Cup lead over the University of Arizona to 9.5-7.5. The Sun Devil men’s golf team came through on Monday, though, as their victory over the Wildcats increased the lead to 10.5-7.5 and clinched the Cup for good.

What’s next?

The Sun Devils return to Packard Stadium in Tempe for a Tuesday night matchup against New Mexico State on April 29 at 6:30 p.m. The game’s starters have yet to be announced.

Arizona State then hits the road for a non-conference, weekend series against Oklahoma State on May 2-4.

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